Patents by Inventor James G. Ballard

James G. Ballard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240131604
    Abstract: A hydraulic power tool includes a housing defining a cylinder, a piston at least partially positioned within the cylinder and movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a clevis supporting a head of the power tool, a nut coupled to an outer peripheral surface of the clevis, and a collar coupled to the housing and surrounding the nut to axially constrain the nut between the collar and the housing while permitting relative rotation between the collar and the nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Sean T. Kehoe, James G. Ballard, Marc S. D'Antuono
  • Patent number: 11964510
    Abstract: A writing implement is configured to dispense material onto a work surface. The writing implement includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface. The writing implement also includes a nib coupled to the first end. The nib is configured to allow the material to be dispensed onto the work piece. The writing implement further includes a pressure regulating assembly coupled to the body. The pressure regulating assembly and the inner surface define a cavity configured to hold the material. The pressure regulating assembly is moveable relative to the body in response to a pressure change within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventor: James G. Ballard
  • Patent number: 11958177
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump includes a work port, a high-flow piston, multiple high-pressure pistons, and an unloading valve. The work port couples to a fluid supply line of a hydraulic tool. The high-flow piston supplies fluid along a first flow path to the work port. The high-pressure pistons supply fluid along a second flow path to the work port. The unloading valve is fluidly coupled to the first flow path and the second flow path, and actuatable between an open state and a closed state. The unloading valve is configured to (i) permit fluid to flow from the high-flow piston to the work port in the open state, (ii) inhibit fluid from flowing from the high-flow piston to the work port in the closed state, and (iii) actuate from the open state to the closed state when a pressure of the fluid in the second flow path exceeds a threshold pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Ballard, Timothy Radtke, Daniel Garces, Ian C. Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20240091924
    Abstract: An example hydraulic tool includes: a fluid reservoir; a pump; an electric motor; a cylinder; a piston; a first trigger button; a second trigger button; and a controller configured to perform operations comprising: receiving a first signal when the first trigger button is triggered, responsively, causing the electric motor to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby: (i) causing the pump to provide fluid to the cylinder, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a first linear direction, thereafter, receiving a second signal when the second trigger button is triggered, and responsively to the second signal, causing the electric motor to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby: (i) opening a fluid path from the cylinder to the fluid reservoir, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Eric D. Norquist, James G. Ballard, Kris J. Kanack, Luke J. Skinner, Robert Jensen, Marc S. D'Antuono, Peter Davies
  • Patent number: 11878402
    Abstract: An example hydraulic tool includes: a fluid reservoir; a pump; an electric motor; a cylinder; a piston; a first trigger button; a second trigger button; and a controller configured to perform operations comprising: receiving a first signal when the first trigger button is triggered, responsively, causing the electric motor to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby: (i) causing the pump to provide fluid to the cylinder, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a first linear direction, thereafter, receiving a second signal when the second trigger button is triggered, and responsively to the second signal, causing the electric motor to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby: (i) opening a fluid path from the cylinder to the fluid reservoir, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Norquist, James G. Ballard, Kris J. Kanack, Luke J. Skinner, Robert Jensen, Marc S. D'Antuono, Peter Davies
  • Patent number: 11833597
    Abstract: A hydraulic power tool includes a housing defining a cylinder, a piston at least partially positioned within the cylinder and movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a clevis supporting a head of the power tool, a nut coupled to an outer peripheral surface of the clevis, and a collar coupled to the housing and surrounding the nut to axially constrain the nut between the collar and the housing while permitting relative rotation between the collar and the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Sean T. Kehoe, James G. Ballard, Marc S. D'Antuono
  • Publication number: 20230191581
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a hydraulic tool including a hydraulic actuator cylinder, a piston, a fluid reservoir, a pump, a regeneration check valve, and a pilot-operated valve. The regeneration check valve is disposed in a regenerative extension fluid path that fluidly couples a first and second chamber of the hydraulic actuator cylinder. The pilot-operated valve is disposed in a power extension fluid path that fluidly couples the second chamber to a fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventor: James G. Ballard
  • Publication number: 20230191582
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a ram assembly for a hydraulic tool. The ram assembly includes a ram piston having a ram cavity. The ram piston receives a hydraulic pressure reaction force. The ram assembly further includes an overload assembly disposed in the ram cavity or in a cavity defined by a manifold. The overload assembly includes a burst disc positioned at a first end of the ram cavity or manifold, a lock nut positioned at a second end of the ram cavity or manifold, and a spacer positioned between the burst disc and the lock nut. The spacer transfers a supporting force applied to the lock nut to the burst disc. The hydraulic pressure reaction force and the supporting force both act in the same direction, and thus, are additive forces acting on the burst disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: James G. Ballard, James O. Myrhum, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230102068
    Abstract: A writing implement is configured to dispense material onto a work surface. The writing implement includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface. The writing implement also includes a nib coupled to the first end. The nib is configured to allow the material to be dispensed onto the work piece. The writing implement further includes a pressure regulating assembly coupled to the body. The pressure regulating assembly and the inner surface define a cavity configured to hold the material. The pressure regulating assembly is moveable relative to the body in response to a pressure change within the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventor: James G. Ballard
  • Publication number: 20230093786
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump includes a work port, a high-flow piston, multiple high-pressure pistons, and an unloading valve. The work port couples to a fluid supply line of a hydraulic tool. The high-flow piston supplies fluid along a first flow path to the work port. The high-pressure pistons supply fluid along a second flow path to the work port. The unloading valve is fluidly coupled to the first flow path and the second flow path, and actuatable between an open state and a closed state. The unloading valve is configured to (i) permit fluid to flow from the high-flow piston to the work port in the open state, (ii) inhibit fluid from flowing from the high-flow piston to the work port in the closed state, and (iii) actuate from the open state to the closed state when a pressure of the fluid in the second flow path exceeds a threshold pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: James G. Ballard, Timothy Radtke, Daniel Garces, Ian C. Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 11597070
    Abstract: A working head for a hydraulic power tool including a head frame and a first moveable die head configured to move along the working head frame. The first moveable die head configured to receive a first moveable die comprising a first body length. A second die head is adapted to receive a second die comprising a second body length. The first body length of the moveable die is different from the second body length of the stationary die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Koski, Troy Marks, Eric Norquist, James G. Ballard, Kris J. Kanack
  • Publication number: 20230046222
    Abstract: A hydraulic tool can include a hydraulic cylinder, a piston within the hydraulic cylinder, and a rotary valve. The piston can be configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. The piston can include a piston ram and a piston rod that define a ram side and a rod side inside the hydraulic cylinder. The rotary valve can be moved between a first position and a second position. The first position can be configured to direct flow at a first variable speed and a first variable force to the ram side of the hydraulic cylinder and the second position can be configured to direct flow at a second variable speed and a second variable force to the rod side of the hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: James G. Ballard, Benjamin J. Tretow
  • Patent number: 11524517
    Abstract: A writing implement is configured to dispense material onto a work surface. The writing implement includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface. The writing implement also includes a nib coupled to the first end. The nib is configured to allow the material to be dispensed onto the work piece. The writing implement further includes a pressure regulating assembly coupled to the body. The pressure regulating assembly and the inner surface define a cavity configured to hold the material. The pressure regulating assembly is moveable relative to the body in response to a pressure change within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventor: James G. Ballard
  • Publication number: 20220226979
    Abstract: A hydraulic tool includes a tool head and a moveable piston coupled to the tool head. The hydraulic tool head includes a plurality of jaws, which are operable to open and close for performing work on a workpiece. The hydraulic tool also includes a motor operable to drive the moveable piston to close the plurality of jaws to a closed position at which the work on the workpiece is completed. The hydraulic tool further includes a position sensor configured to detect when the plurality of jaws are at the closed position and responsively generate a sensor signal indicating that the plurality of jaws are at the closed position. Additionally, the hydraulic tool includes a controller configured to receive the sensor signal from the position sensor. The controller is configured to operate the motor based on the sensor signal that the controller receives from the position sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Luke J. Skinner, Kris J. Kanack, James G. Ballard, David R. Bauer, Troy A. Marks, Marc S. D'Antuono, Paige L. Bovard, Eric Norquist
  • Publication number: 20220143674
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a die retainer for use in a tool. The die retainer can include a ram head, a release button, and a die pin. The ram head includes a die cavity and a pair of lateral sides on opposing sides of the die cavity. The release button can extend through a release button hole formed in the ram head hand include opposing ends that extend past each of the corresponding pair of lateral sides. The die pin extends through a die pin cavity that intersects the release button hole. The die release button can be actuatable from either of the opposing ends to retract the die pin from the die cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Mathew R. Rentmeester, James G. Ballard, Matthew Jensen
  • Publication number: 20220111505
    Abstract: A working head for a hydraulic power tool including a head frame and a first moveable die head configured to move along the working head frame. The first moveable die head configured to receive a first moveable die comprising a first body length. A second die head is adapted to receive a second die comprising a second body length. The first body length of the moveable die is different from the second body length of the stationary die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Jonathan Koski, Troy Marks, Eric Norquist, James G. Ballard, Kris J. Kanack
  • Patent number: 11292118
    Abstract: A hydraulic tool includes a tool head and a moveable piston coupled to the tool head. The hydraulic tool head includes a plurality of jaws, which are operable to open and close for performing work on a workpiece. The hydraulic tool also includes a motor operable to drive the moveable piston to close the plurality of jaws to a closed position at which the work on the workpiece is completed. The hydraulic tool further includes a position sensor configured to detect when the plurality of jaws are at the closed position and responsively generate a sensor signal indicating that the plurality of jaws are at the closed position. Additionally, the hydraulic tool includes a controller configured to receive the sensor signal from the position sensor. The controller is configured to operate the motor based on the sensor signal that the controller receives from the position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Luke J. Skinner, Kris J. Kanack, James G. Ballard, David R. Bauer, Troy A. Marks, Marc S. D'Antuono, Paige L. Bovard, Eric Norquist
  • Publication number: 20220016925
    Abstract: A writing implement is configured to dispense material onto a work surface. The writing implement includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface. The writing implement also includes a nib coupled to the first end. The nib is configured to allow the material to be dispensed onto the work piece. The writing implement further includes a pressure regulating assembly coupled to the body. The pressure regulating assembly and the inner surface define a cavity configured to hold the material. The pressure regulating assembly is moveable relative to the body in response to a pressure change within the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventor: James G. Ballard
  • Patent number: 11148461
    Abstract: A writing implement is configured to dispense material onto a work surface. The writing implement includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface. The writing implement also includes a nib coupled to the first end. The nib is configured to allow the material to be dispensed onto the work piece. The writing implement further includes a pressure regulating assembly coupled to the body. The pressure regulating assembly and the inner surface define a cavity configured to hold the material. The pressure regulating assembly is moveable relative to the body in response to a pressure change within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventor: James G. Ballard
  • Publication number: 20200298388
    Abstract: An example hydraulic tool includes: a fluid reservoir; a pump; an electric motor; a cylinder; a piston; a first trigger button; a second trigger button; and a controller configured to perform operations comprising: receiving a first signal when the first trigger button is triggered, responsively, causing the electric motor to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby: (i) causing the pump to provide fluid to the cylinder, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a first linear direction, thereafter, receiving a second signal when the second trigger button is triggered, and responsively to the second signal, causing the electric motor to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby: (i) opening a fluid path from the cylinder to the fluid reservoir, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Eric D. Norquist, James G. Ballard, Kris J. Kanack, Luke J. Skinner, Robert Jensen, Marc S. D'Antuono, Peter Davies